Liverpool Banter Archive October 05 2013

 

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05 Oct 2013 23:07:28
Been to my annual pilgrimage to Anfield today. Most things have been said to death already although I have to say Sakho looked the part for me today.

My post though is about the atmosphere at Anfield. I was at Anfield Road end and away supporters put us to shame.

There was hardly any noise from home team so much so Palace fans were singing that Anfield was a library and actually shhh'ing. When Liverpool finally responded with a "this is your last time at Anfield" chant, Palace fans actually cheered us as we finally sang something.

Last time I was at Anfield, there was a constant, the da the da the Luis Suarez. This year clearly Kop have refused to sing that one (at least for now). There were a few half hearted attempts at Anfield road but never with much effect.

Part of the problem is that we don't have songs for any of our players. The mantra of needing to earn a song doesn't work. We ended up with nothing to sing. Meanwhile Palace fans were singing all the game and very loudly.

Took some of the shine for today's victory

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I disagree mate ooh campione was being sang by the Kop for most the second half. I was sat in there. It was good.

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Unfortunately, there's too many doing an annual pilgrimage expecting others to generate the atmosphere for them. FSG don't help matters by constantly encouraging the day trippers through Thomas Cook so they can see the till registering at the club shop.

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Very harsh ozone, do you not consider the fact that LFC are globally supported, that the cost of a ticket and travel for one of your so called day trippers would cost the same as some one living in Liverpool going 3 times?
Support is support, the atmosphere has been poor for a few seasons, it's about time all the people lucky enough to be at a game started to show their belief once again

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Head nail hit Ozone! Before anyone attacks him, he's not having a go at outside support but giving the reason why the atmosphere is so lacklustre, the owners would rather see different fans from outside the city for every home game, because to them it's not just the game but a sight seeing tour and a chance to by merchandise direct from the ground, were as the locals such as myself show up at five to three straight from the boozer and don't spend any excess cash.

{Ed002's Note - It is pitiful to read all of this rubbish complaining about the owners.}

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Ed002, the owners would prefer out of towners on match day who increase revenue streams for the club than locals who buy there season ticket and don't spend anymore money on mach day, if you can't see the logic in that for the owners then I don't know what angle your viewing the world from TBH. It's basic maths. {Ed002's Note - You are simply making this up because you want a reason to whine about the owners. You blame them when the team is doing badly and you can't do that right now. You blame the owners for not investing, but of course they continue to throw money at the club so that is out. So now you are looking for some other reason to bitch about the owners - so you are taking the opportunity to also complain about the club's supporters. Years ago Liverpool supporters had a very good reputation. Now when the club are not doing well all they do is moan about the owners, the players and the manager. Weirdly enough, now the team is doing pretty well, all they moan about is the owners, the players, the manager and the supporters. It is quite frankly a joke watching you do this.}

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Hang on a minute Ed002, I don't know if it's correct but I've also been told FSG have also taken a slice of the away allocation for Thomas Cook. We now get told that they'll be doing random checks to ensure ticket matches person so as to stop touting, yet Thomas Cook are the biggest touts in town. Come on Ed002, kettle and black spring to mind here.

Plus as Waro says, I'm not having a go at the day trippers, I'm sure in some instances it costs 2 or 3 times more for some people to attend a game but when they do they shouldn't sit on their hands.

{Ed002's Note - Thomas Cook are not touts of course - you seem intent on scaremongering. They are partners of a number of EPL sides who sell tickets on behalf of the clubs - Liverpool, the Manchester clubs, Spurs, Chelsea, Everton et al. This not a conspiracy by the owners but simply day to day business. Why not complain about the club sponsors as well - they all get varying ticket allocations to all of the home games. Actually I was with the sponsor of another high-end club a couple of weeks back and they came up with some spectacular return on investment figures for the money they put in. They also get given 90 tickets per game - half are standard corporate seats and the rest hospitality. And I will admit that in increasing the capacity circa 15k FSG will look to adding some additional corporate seating - although they are aware the draw for such seating and high-prices in Liverpool is not what it is elsewhere. The bulk of the increase in the seating will go to new season ticket holders - which actually gives the lowest possible return on filled seats.

I am surprised that you have yet to notice that eventually FSG will look to getting a much better clientele attending games. If you want to don your cloth cap, have a pint of wallop with your chums before going off to the local match, you might want to find a club in the suburbs you can go and watch. Prawn sandwich?}

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Hmm, it seems to me there is still a small minority of Liverpool fans who still think LFC is for liverpudlians (spelling) and that they are the "real fans" when in fact without the worldwide fan base lfc would cease to exist at this level

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I don't think some of use understand the money and effort us day trippers put in to going to anfield for the day, and we not all like your regular tourists! I spend the hours leading up to the game yesterday in the Liverpool supporters club and took my seat like waro said at 2.55. Left my home in Kent at half 5 and got in at midnight, cost me £100 just in travel! I'm lucky enough to no a fee season ticket holders to get seats a few times a season but some are not as lucky and have to use Thomas cook etc don't make us any less a fan though does it? As for the singing at famed perhaps people feel uncomfortable as I have a few times at the ground, outside and various pubs clubs etc been asked about my accent and looked upon as a outsider! P.s were do u all sit?

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Sometimes your gender is plainly evident in your responses Ed0002.

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05 Oct 2013 22:57:26
Hi All,

Happy with win and like most concerned with our bench and performance. But we got to think any fan would have taken position in table if was offered before start of season. Am sure with Allen and Cissoko coming back would add little more depth to team and maybe deserving rest for Gerard and Henderson. Aspas still needs time and am impressed with Alberto and given time am sure he will shine. Coutinho is we all are waiting for and will change dimension of team and also how we play. Sterling is young and this is learning curve for him and he has to make mistakes and learn from it. All I was thinking last year we had Joe Cole, Carroll, Downing and some others. Rodgers and changed team and is not far off from making whole team his which I think would be time to get him judged,, maybe next season for end of this season. He has got courage to get rid if reina as it will benefit team and reina could be heard pretty much begging Barcelona to buy him. Bench is still worry but hopefully we will get few signing if required and still think 2-4 players away from being strong in the team and bench. let's enjoy and support team and every player with encouragement and constructive criticism if required so rather then calling then useless or dead wood.

Harry Oldbury

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05 Oct 2013 22:51:12
Another top 1st half performance
Hendo was awesome as well as suarez b sturridge

Plz lay of sterling he's 18 he's got a lot to learn but he's a v good player with a lot of promise

People need to stop complaining nw were top we didn't expect to be top at this stage but the beat thing is we could be much better which excites me soo guys stop cussing and complaining get behind the team


Abbas lfc

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06 Oct 2013 09:55:58
Abbas LFC.
he needs to be loaned to a Championship or EPL team to get Experience. He has been given fair no of chances and he has been poor from quiet a long time.

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06 Oct 2013 11:24:13
I agree he does need a loan but we cnt afford to loan him until we get another quality winger in,

Suso bk nxt season should be given more opportunities and sterling should be loaned out to get more games and become better

Final point though harry were top of table playing well but could improve loads that makes me well happy and with the mancs not doing well its icing on a cake at the moment

Abbas lfc

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05 Oct 2013 22:19:59
Hi everyone, I am really pleased with everyone in the team whatever they are doing or eating keep doing the same thing.
I like what BR is doing of course there is always room for improvement, but so far so good.
Keep it up!
eds what do you think, did you watch the match ed001 ed002 or any other ed? {Ed001's Note - Crystal Palace made it easy for us in the first half and in the second we had little to play for, so it is difficult to judge our performance. We did enough to win, that is the main thing, Sterling will hopefully learn from giving away the free kick which led to the goal and become a better player for it. I do wonder about Moses, he doesn't seem suited to that position at all, but, similar to Sterling, it is not one he is used to. In the end, it was a very comfortable win, but we need to sit and look at the errors we were making, they need to be cut out. Though it was so easy that the errors could be down to that anyway and they may not happen against a better side. Gerrard might be not at his barnstorming best, but he is still playing better than most in his position, I think people are just expecting too much of him. His role within the team is different, it is time people got off his back, he is performing his role well. It may not be what we have grown accustomed to, but no one can play that way forever, unfortunately.}

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Hi ed001 thank you for your prompt answer, how is your daughter hope she is well.
I think your opinion of the situation is spot on and I hope they can iron out these little problems they are having, but who cares if we are picking the points because at the end of the day that is all that matters. It is nice to hear from you again. Doing a great job, keep it up for our sake. This is the site I come on everyday even just for a read.
This feels like Liverpool of old, top of the table. {Ed001's Note - shame it isn't after 37 games, instead of 7, but top is top and I am going to enjoy it while it lasts! My daughter is good, though I have made a mess of going to the game, I booked the hotel and train tickets for next weekend! I have a friend visiting from Australia at the moment, she has never been to a footie match (well other than that weird Aussie rules thing) so thought I would take her to Anfield. Managed to get my dates mixed up, so now I am in Liverpool for the international weekend and in London when we play Newcastle. Gutted. Will have to find somewhere to watch the game in London, if anyone knows of anywhere good to go?}

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Ed001 mate you should check the Carlsberg Sports Bar near Leicester Square {Ed001's Note - I will have a look at that cheers.}

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05 Oct 2013 22:08:08
That formation today the 3 at the back, 2 wing backs, 2 midfielders, an attacking mid and 2 strikers will be even better once Johnson, cissokho, agger and coutinho are back and fit. Henderson brings so much energy to the team when played in the middle. Top of the league again, times are good.

I'm sure a wise before his years and extremely good looking poster on here predicted before the transfer window opened we would get top spot at least for a bit in the first half of the season. Anybody remember who ;) lol

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Nope. Who? ;)

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AG In response to my post before I would say your wise mate but not sure about the before your years bit, not to mention good looking haha.

My predictions where we would get top spot early at least for a few games, before settling into 4th or 5th spot.
I still stand by that. I think.

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05 Oct 2013 20:58:56
WTF is wrong with some of you on here slagging Sterling? The kid is 18, when you started a job at 18 I can guarantee you were crap at it and most of the fella's you worked with probably thought what a nugget we've got here, but you grow into your role become more confident and proficient at it and you will either then excel or plateau, I hate to use a regular job when making comparisons with football, but I'm just trying to make the point that at 18 your still trying to sort your head out and find your feet and establish yourself, some mature quicker than others, give him a chance before you all kick off on him.

He may turn out to be another over hyped player or he may find his feet then excel, we will see in the next few years, but lay off the rippin for now because he's trying to get on with what he's doing in front of millions of people and that pressure for an 18 year old must be intense, would you kick off on your own kids at that age if they weren't meting your obvious sky high standards?

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05 Oct 2013 21:42:11
Common mate. If he isn't suited to play, then he shouldn't be playing there.
and BTW, he was pretty poor when played in the wings.

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Waro you are spot on mate.
Nice to see you in a positive mood, those dating websites I suggested you use must be paying off ;) haha

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Waro, Sterling was awful today, I can't think of anyone less suited to being a wing back as he has no defensive qualities whatsoever.
As for being 18 and still feeling his way in his work well maybe he should have stayed at QPR and not joined a big club in a major league in europe, oh yes and he's on £50k a week so I think he should (and others) take the criticism if he doesn't deliver

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Harry have a day off will ye lad, you take a lot of stick on here but you bring 99% of it on yourself, have your opinion that's fine, but at the very least make it coherent. Just think about what your writing before you hit the send button.

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WARO.

I take your point that he's young and a lot to learn but my point is that to learn his trade it's probably best him do it at a lower level and gain the experience. I reckon at 21 he could be a diamond but his poor performances this season can't be doing his own confidence much good.

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I thought he got stuck in well and for one so slight. Ok he didn't pull up any trees but as I have said before you can't beat teams without everyone doing their bit. We won and sit at the top of the tree at this moment. what's not to like and why all the grief?

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Being 18 is only a consideration when the team is being selected. Once the players are on the field, age is irrelevant. They are either good enough, or not. Right now Sterling is most definitely not.

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Good point there Waro, I have indeed found myself sticking the boot in on the lad recently.

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06 Oct 2013 09:59:18
Waro.
When did you changed your seats.?. Was that at me?. your best buddy?
He has been poor and he was very poor yesterday.
Being 18 is just another example. he is been earning more than what an 18 year old gets.

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And off course the lad had a lot on his mind recently, which would pay a toll on anybody.

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05 Oct 2013 20:56:21
Eds fellow reds, good result today, thought hendo was superb as Lucas's replacement deserves to keep place next week .

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05 Oct 2013 19:18:23
Unbelievable. there are armchair fans still trying to find players to have a go at! Lucas then Henderson and now Sterling an 18 year old still trying to find his way! What do these people expect that all our players are going to be world class every game and from day one! I suspect that the boo boys will be calling for Ibe to take Sterlings place so we can build him up for a fall. Top of the league say no more! It's a team game. Tobiwan

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05 Oct 2013 20:02:18
Exactly. Its a team game and he was the weakest link.

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We're playing a system that doesn't suit Sterling, and the slow pace we start to play doesn't suit him either. I think he needs a run of games in his preferred position either in the u21's or on a short term loan to get his back.

Personally disappointed not to see Kelly getting eased back into the team while we have this formation going, and also wondering why we can't seem to play with the pressure and pace of last season. (not for a full game anyway). but hey. picking up the wins while we are not playing as good as we can, can't be all bad can it!

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05 Oct 2013 19:16:17
18 year old LEFT WINGER getting stick for playing RIGHT WING BACK!? Are you all flumping crazy!? What is wrong with this world? If he didn't play well (i didn't see the game) then you should blame BR for putting him in that position. Honestly this is incredible. And then people use his 'bumper new contract' as saying he's stopped because he got it. Last week it was Henderson playing the same position you were all moaning & I tell you now he is 100% more suited to playing there than sterling. We all know the rubbish harry types at the best of times but come on!? Would avb, or ancheloti have played bale at right wing back? no! It's a stupid idea that's why, they would of got a kid out the academy like any other saine person. It's not like we don't have any! Wow some on here have NO IDEA about football whatsoever. Good win. Top of the league. Oh hiya Sydney

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05 Oct 2013 20:04:15
Really. But he was poor prior, played in the wings. Today was just another example. the lad is been poor from quiet a long time now.

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Not in the first half I've just watched considering all the previous points I've made. Certainly nothing to justify what you've said about him today anyway. He's not what he first was but now people know about him & respect him mark him better stop nit picking that he isn't a fantastic right wing back

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05 Oct 2013 21:17:16
Harry,
Your at the bottom of both the last two comments giving our 18 year old winger who wouldn't have so much hype about him if people didn't big him up as soon as he made his debut.

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06 Oct 2013 10:00:58
WelshBoy.
Can you honestly say, he has improved his game after his debut?. he has been playing with first team for more than 20+ games.

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06 Oct 2013 12:07:15
What I'm saying is, those who look at the long term picture don't expect the world of Sterling this season or perhaps even next season.
The way your carrying on, you'd think he cost us £30 million and 150k a week.
Walcott, Bale, Ramsey, Whilshere.
4 players now who would walk into most teams, and 4 players who at the age of 18 showed nought more than promise.

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05 Oct 2013 19:01:07
Think I must be the only person relatively happy with Raheem's performance today. Playing in a position he's not used to, I actually thought he worked hard.

Henderson played a blinder, never tried to be too flashy, just did his job and did it damn well. Suarez and Sturridge look good together and I like the interplay between the front three as a whole.

I was impressed with Alberto when he came on and Sakho looks to be growing into the team.

Mignolet superb again.

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05 Oct 2013 18:51:03
A lot of people seem to be running out of patience with Sterling, he is really young and giving everything with so much to learn, I think he is doing fine to be fair to him .

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I said last week that ideally he should go out on loan and get some valuable Championship experience. He's been poor (IMO) since he signed his new contract last year. His delivery has been poor and he's created havoc when he's been asked to defend because he gives away needless free-kicks (of which Palace scored today, Stoke nearly scored 1st game of the season and Manchester United almost equalised couple of weeks ago).
I think he has the potential to do well but needs to get in more game time and in a lower league. His performances so far this year have been very poor.

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05 Oct 2013 18:44:19
I know he's just 18, But we should have never gaved Sterling a bumper deal. He simply have been very very poor late on.
Januzag and Barkley has impressed me very much. super little two good player.
Fingers crossed on IBE who isn't getting a game ahead of sterling???

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If it make you upset don't pay him next week and if the other 2 impressed you I think you have to give them something man .

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05 Oct 2013 19:34:00
1) The lad's 18, give him a break.

2) Whether or not his comparative lack of form is down to his bumper contact is not something we can actually make a judgment on.

3) Even if it was suppose the options had been give him a bumper deal or let him go somewhere else? You'd be the first person complaining about his sale if that had happened. The club can't have complete clairvoyance.

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05 Oct 2013 21:44:12
Wazintime.
Mate. I am sure. you haven't seen both playing. They are well above of sterling who has been playing for the first team from an year.
Rose Barkley has all it takes to be the best midfielder.

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Off course Harry you know better than Brendan. Why am I not surprised?

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06 Oct 2013 10:53:11
Barkley will never be a midfielder Harry. You are right, he is a great young player. Probably the closest I've seen to Gerrard in a long time. But that's why he'll never play midfield. It'd be a square peg in a round hole. Barkley is an attacking player who needs to be in an advanced position. Defensively, he's just too rash. Januzaj as you say is also a very good player, but better than Sterling? that's hard to say. I'd say they have equal potential. You forget that we have a player on loan in Suso who eclipses them all.

YNWAdam

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05 Oct 2013 18:08:00
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace.

Positives

- We won very comfortably
- Suarez and Sturridge look deadly
- We are top of the league (albeit temporarily)
- We are not playing especially well but are winning games, a good sign
- Moses looks a quality acquisition
- Although still occasionally hair raising Sakho looked much better, seems to be settling in better
- Alberto had a few nice touches for the limited time he was on
- Henderson was immense and arguably our best player - gives Rodgers an interesting dilemma upon Lucas' return

Negatives

- Typical second half performance: lifeless, slow, no intensity
- Very dodgy defensively, a better class of opposition would have made this game much more uncomfortable
- Sterling was too casual too many times
- Gerrard, despite the penalty, was rather lacklustre
- Conceded a soft goal


Conclusion

Confortable win with a good first half performance. Still far too shaky at the back and if that aspect of our game continues we will drop more points in future. Good to see Suarez and Sturridge combine so well though and a mouth watering prospect when Coutinho returns. Thought Henderson was outstanding in the centre of the park - intense, non stop work ethic and I think first to every ball available. Don't know how many times he made a tackle or block but he really was superb. Sterling as a right wing back wasn't a very successful experiment although the lad shows glimmers of his promise he makes the wrong pass sometimes and can be quite sloppy - hopefully something that will get better over time. Good to get a win before the International break - interesting times for us now a good start to the season so really the focus is all about maintaining this form. We need to play for the full 90 minutes and against better teams will be when our test comes however, so far so good - if we maintain and improve our performances we can build up some real momentum and who knows were we will finish. There are no guarantees but we are definitely in contention for a Champions League berth. Keep it up boys.

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05 Oct 2013 18:28:03
I've always had doubts about Gerrard's positional sense when he's playing centre mid. Gets forward too early in the build up and really doesn't anticipate danger well enough when we don't have the ball. Now that said, he seemed to have it sorted for the last 3/4s of last season, and I was happily eating my words (well, maybe not publically ;)). But he's back to his old ways again. Roamed out of position a lot and generally left Hendo on his own in there too many times for my liking (Hendo was brilliant btw).

Now that's fine against Crystal Palace, but I'm worried about what Arsenal will do to us if Stevie's all over the pitch and Lucas is playing centre mid by himself.

He'll need to calm down a bit, or play off the strikers again. I think he could still do this, he wouldn't need to do as much running since he'd be operating off two strikers instead of just one.

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05 Oct 2013 18:37:04
Actually just for the lulz:

How about Gerrard and Hendo to swap places when Lucas comes back (ie. Hendo central and Gerrard RWB)?

Positives:
+ Gerrard's physically stronger than Henderson for 50/50s or aerial challenges with the opposition winger
+ Gerrard's a better passer and a much better crosser than Hendo, particularly from deep areas
+ Gerrard makes better decisions on the ball and our wing backs do see more of the ball than any of other players. (Sterling at RWB was a bit of an exception probably because he's not used to playing there).

Negatives:
- Gerrard's not played there since the last third of the 05 CL final, so we don't know what he'll be like re positional sense.
- I just criticised Gerrard's ability to read the danger in my last post.
- Henderson's a bit fitter (but Gerrard's still plenty fit for a PL player) and could cover the flank better.

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I think Gerrard was exceptional yesterday with his long balls. They were mostly accurate except for a few ones. the way his balls can switch defense to attack will always keep opposition in check with Sturridge and Suarez playing at their last man's shoulders.

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If Gerrard is struggling to impose and keep pace with play in the centre of the park then he is going to struggle even more as right wing back - under no circumstances should he be played there. With Henderson (not his best position but can deputise), Kelly and Johnson to return there is no reason to ever play him there, suicidal thinking man.

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05 Oct 2013 17:29:14
MotM for me: Jordan Henderson. 69/75 passes completed (92% accuracy), won 7 out of 7 tackles & recovered the ball 12 times. Unbelievable performance and if I didn't know better I would have swore we had two of him on the pitch.

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05 Oct 2013 19:24:56
I told everyone earlier in the week they'd eating their critical words after this game in which I knew he'd play centrally. I know Gerrard scored a good penalty, but that aside he was below average. Hendo was my MOTM. He has got to get some games alongside Lucas after that. I don't think people will realise quite how poor Gerrard has been in midfield until they see a midfield of two players with better positional sense. I am so pleased Hendo has silenced his doubters and really hope Brendan gives him a proper shot in midfield with someone equally as disciplined. His energy was brilliant and I think with a player like Hendo alongside him, Lucas would have more freedom to come forward sometimes. The same problem that has occurred every match happened again though and its opened my eyes a bit. We sat back in the second half again and until today I thought it was due to the Gerrard-Lucas pairing, but now I can see that its just Gerrard. I really do love the man. He's been my hero since I was 10 years old. I will never forget or be able to put into words what he has done for the club, but he needs to step down into more of a substitute role. An impact sub to replace Coutinho in the attacking midfield position on the 60/70 minute mark. Phillipe usually goes missing around that time and Gerrard could then have 20/30 minutes to be an attacking dynamo rather than an average anchor. His legs are shot though and he's no longer a 90 minute man. I think taking Sakho off was a mistake. He is so powerful defending set pieces and it was a set piece we ultimately conceded. He may have made the difference but you never know. Roll on the next game, hurry up internationals! A very good win today none the less.

YNWAdam

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Adam your in danger of disappearing up your own arse lad, Stevie had a below par game, as far as I'm concerned he has come down to mere mortal levels in the last 18 months and that level is still better than most, you have had a few positive reply's to your post over the last few weeks now you think your a leading authority on football, I will agree with you on Henderson, the kid is a great player and was MOTM, but it doesn't require Uefa badges to see that, Stevie is changing his game due to his age and when he adapts to it he will set the bar high I GUARANTEE IT, FORM IS TEMPORARY CLASS IS PERMANANT, remember that Adam when in a few weeks time Stevie is pickin up MOTM awards, I hope you will have the good grace to admit you were wrong to constantly slag off one of the clubs greatest ever players.

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05 Oct 2013 21:39:31
Actually Waro, I haven't slagged Stevie at all. I've merely given honest opinions on what I feel his role in the squad should be. The two greatest managers in our clubs history (Shankly and Paisley) were ruthless when it came to dropping aging players aka club legends. I'm not saying Gerrard is a bad 'player'. I'm saying he's a bad central midfielder. I will no let his status blinker that view. He's got the passing range, and when he was younger his sheer power and energy made up for his lack of discipline. Despite that though the majority of his managers still deployed him out wide or in an advanced free role (and to great effect). He belongs in a free role or out wide where he is not relied on as heavily to maintain a good position. I'm sorry we disagree Waro but if you re-read every post I've written on this subject you will see I have always stayed balanced and just suggested how better to utilise Gerrard, who could still be a good player for us. At the moment though he is dragging us down and holding the team back due to mismanagement from Hodgson, Dalglish and now Rodgers. He is simply not a central midfielder. I find your post patronising and down right rude if I'm being honest. If by some miracle Gerrard changes his game completely and becomes a more disciplined player, of course I'll stand up and admit I was wrong. I have done so with Glen Johnson who has proved his worth recently. I did so when I got Aspas all wrong as well. I'm not scared to admit my mistakes Waro but I will not be talked down to like vermin by you just because you disagree with my constructively backed opinion. Gerrard's twilight years will be ruined by average games and poor games with the occasional good performance all because he is being horribly mismanaged. As a 30 minute impact sub in a free role he could still be a match winning 'Steven Gerrard'. If you want to put together a constructive counter argument, by all means do so. However, don't be so rude next time please. As you say, many people seem to share my opinion, but I am well aware just as many disagree and I am certainly not 'up myself'.

YNWAdam

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With the best will in the world Stevie G's days are numbered, hopefully another couple of seasons but that's about it. Jordan Henderson is a good player, he's got the legs, he's got the engine, but has he got the class? He's got a bright future at Liverpool, Lucas's replacement probably but Stevie G's replacement, I think not! Replacing Stevie will prove as impossible as replacing Luis Suarez would, but where to play him in the twilight of his career, answers on a postcard please!

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I don't take kindly to people having a pop at Gerrard Adam tbh and you have taken the brunt of it in my reply to your post but I think you have taken my comments a little to much to heart as to say I've spoken to you like vermin, as far as I can see your blaming him for the teams inadequacies, your not saying play him out wide or just off the front man, your saying bench him and using rhetoric like he's dragging us down and holding the team back, if that's not slagging him off then I don't know what is, so no I'd say you are saying Gerrard is a bad player as well as a bad central midfielder, your entitled to your opinion Adam and good luck to ye, but I would urge you to look at some of the wording in your posts because if your not meaning to slag Stevie off then it's not coming across that way.

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Something red and Adam, way over the top with gerrard criticism, and Adam way over the top with Henderson praise (I will say he played well). Something red, you've always known that about gerrard ALWAYS, even when he was in top 3, maybe best centre mids in the WORLD.
strange how people on here are to quick you criticise an absolute legend and find it strange others will criticise others who have done f**c all yet!

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So far this evening we have Gerrard who is under performing and Sterling who apparently was awful. Yet we still win 3-1! Some folk on here are really up their own backsides and really believe they should have a coaching role at Lfc showing Gerrard and Sterling where they can improve. Have a look at the league table boys and tell me how good it looks.

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06 Oct 2013 08:49:08
Sorry lads. I was under the impression this site was for banter and making suggestions regarding the team. Or starting debates about players. I'm amongst the group of posters who can't stand unjustified criticism of any of our players. However I justify all that I say, and actually form constructive criticism. Gerrard has been my hero for as long as I can remember. I've had his name on every shirt growing up, based all my school assignmemts on him, collected SG8 merchandise my whole life etc. He embobies everything this club is about. Passion, loyalty and quality. However, I and many others have noticed a dip in his form that since 2008 has slowly gotten worse and worse with the occasional spike in the opposite direction e.g. last 20 games of last season. As it stands though he is on the pitch purely to take penalties and set pieces. He needs to be playing in a forward role. Period. He's not good enough defensively and he doesn't have the energy to press the opposition. I have still not seen any construction in your arguments. You are simply disagreeing and throwing cheap insults; all of you. I'm entitled to my opinion just so long as I back it up. Gerrard is not a bad player, but he needs a new and lesser role in the squad. Sorry if I did upset youthough Waro. I meant no offence when talking about Stevie who I get the impression you may know in some way.

YNWAdam

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It is clear to see that Gerrard is under team orders to conserve energy when he can. That is why his performances seem lacklustre. You can see by his body language that he's not happy playing that way, but it's all part of a bigger plan. Gerrard actually looks in great shape at the moment, possibly the fittest he's ever been. Rogers knows this and is waiting for the right moment to let him off his leash. Gerrards best games will be against the better sides in the league and come the new year, we'll see Gerrard propel us into the Champions league again.

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Waro mate, I tend to agree with just about everything you post on here and whilst I still agree with your angle on defending Gerrard for the man he is, I have to say I do think Adam has a point here. I have been quietly thinking what Adams saying for a while now, and I think Adams nailed it with the mismanaged quote. Rodgers system demands a shift in midfield more akin with youth, I've been saying to my mates the last couple of games that I'd play Hendo in the central role with Lucas and have Stevie coming off the bench for impact, similarly as utd did with Scholes and Giggs. I still don't believe we have any serious game changers on the bench and that would certainly address that issue. He could be utilised in the advanced central role, the deeper role or out on the right. When Cotinhious fit, I certainly think its something Rodgers has to look at. Being up in the upper tier at Sunderland, the hole in the middle of the park was glaringly obvious, it needs addressing mate.

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Adam I'm not defending him for knowing him mate I'm defending him for the qualities he still has and you would need to take a long hard look at the manager if you think he's merely playing for penalty taking and set pieces.

Stevie was getting stick at the start of last season and then found his form and put in some excellent performances and the doubters quickly changed there tune ( not saying you were one of them by the way ) and it seems to be happening again, I feel that people are looking in advance for a scapegoat because while were getting away with indifferent performances ATM these people can see were going to hit a bad patch soon because we can't continue to defend the way we have and only show up for the first half of games the way we have.

Apology's if I've offended you Adam that wasn't my intention, I'd say I was prickly rather than offensive, but points in text can come across differently to each individual.

Ozone, for me if Stevie is fit he plays, he isn't the player he once was and I understand yours and Adams point with that, but the fact his legs my not drive him forward and dictate games the way they once did doesn't detract from the fact that his mere presence on the pitch creates space for others, his link up play is still top draw and his long and short passing ditto, you think he's not playing well but your judging him on his standards of 5 or 6 years ago, the way he's playing now is still fantastic if not at the same level, I would suggest if for whatever reason he was out for a significant number of games you would then see what he still gives us on the pitch when because you would all be screaming to put him back in the side IMO.

If he was dropped and not a part of the mangers plans, you would still have top clubs cuing around the block to sign him. It's all about opinions lads and ours differ but that's the beauty of football.

Waro

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06 Oct 2013 12:57:28
Fair enough Waro. Apology accepted and I am prepared to agree to disagree. It was mainly the 'up myself' and 'thinking I'm the best' type comment that offended me. I always admit to being wrong. I have do e so regarding Johnson/Wisdom and Aspas. I thought Wisdom would prove ro be a better right back (wrong, he's very clearly a centre back) and with Aspas I said he'd easily score 15 goals this season and would replace Suarez. Also very very wrong! But hey ho nobody is perfect. Please don't get the wrong idea of the type of person I am. I love Gerrard and never meant to disrespect him. I just think times change, and our system requires a more agile, mobile and less hollywood type midfielder. If as you say, Gerrard starts improving his positional sense, I will apologise to you personally Waro. I'm not afraid to be wrong, but I'm also not afraid to say what a lot of others are thinking. Thanks for your reply and also thanks to Ozone for your reply, thought I was about to be lynched before you diffused the situation!

YNWAdam

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I think your suggestion Adam that Gerrard played out wide in his career is just weird. He has always been a central midfielder - under Benitez he was played in an advanced position (almost as a second striker) and with his hunger and energy it was perfect. We now have an aging Gerrard who simply cannot produce energy levels of yesteryear but who still has a lot to offer. He hasn't been great this season but as other posters have pointed out he has obviously been told to play deep and conserve energy. Given our relative fragility in midfield I don't see the benefit of Playing Gerrard in a "free role" for the last 30 minutes of a game, especially when we already have enough players who occupy similar positions as that would entail. You're entitled to criticise Gerrard but I think your suggestion is, to be blunt, absolute garbage.

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06 Oct 2013 14:26:19
Considering Benetiz did in fact play Gerrard on the right in what proved to be his most prolific season ever Seano, I will just refrain from replying. He scored 24 goals that season from the right flank. I feel the reason our midfield has been so frail is because Gerrard has to conserve energy. We need players who can give 100% for 90 minutes. Gerrard simply cannot anymore and that doesn't suit Rodgers system. Gerrard was constantly played right midfield for England also. He did indeed play as the advanced midfielder or second striker if you'd like, but he hadn't played as an out and out centre midfielder until the last few years of his career. Say what you want Seano, but don't call other peoples opinions garbage before checking the facts.

YNWAdam

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05 Oct 2013 17:18:15
The legend Saint  is concerned about our 2nd half performances but I wonder if this is deliberate tictacs. 

Mourinho, who knows how to win things, says a team needs to learn how to seven games 1-0 and not one game 7-0 and lose the rest.  Just a thought.

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05 Oct 2013 17:11:43
Good win today to put us back at the top. It is all about getting the result and I am very pleased with the direction we are heading in.

Also, I hope Borini gets the winner tonight against United.

Red Rum

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05 Oct 2013 17:38:16
Borini isn't even on the Bench. How many players were availble and webought Borini.
Should have got Remy. he is scoring each and every game.

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Your wrong harry he is on the bench

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05 Oct 2013 19:14:23
Red Branch.
Really. that's news. Is he on the pitch??
He isn't getting into a sunderland team. and people believe he will set fire in a Liverpool team.

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I can't recall anyone ever saying Borini will 'set fire' to the league, Harry. He's a good young striker with potential- time will tell how his career ends up.

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05 Oct 2013 21:45:37
But I have seen plenty here for Borini. He is not going to make it to Liverpool and would be sold next summer with some loss to the club.
Should have gone with Remy.

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> But I have seen plenty here for Borini.

What are we supposed to do, Harry, be more like you and rubbish our own players instead of being 'for' them? He's our 4th choice striker who's out on loan to try and get some game time.

It's very easy to sit here and nitpick who we should have gone for after the fact, isn't it. I suggest you look into a career as a professional scout- clearly you should have no problem picking up a gig.

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Borini has been ruthlessly criticised by fans, almost from the outset. Because he isn't Suarez people think he does nothing. He is an intelligent striker and one who I think needs some support, the way "fans" have constantly hounded him in his first season (a season where he was injured for the vast majority) is a joke. Given a choice out of Borini or Aspas i'd take Borini every single time - he might not be a Suarez or a Sturridge but he is intelligent, creates space and is technically sound - the lad needs a chance, sadly I doubt fans will give him one.

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05 Oct 2013 17:10:35
Excellent result.
SAS the new Manthras in the EPL.
Sterling has been pretty average.

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Totally agree, a lot of positives for the 1st half but a tad worrying for yet another lack lustre 2nd half.what happens when they go in to the changing rooms at half-time?
Thought Sterling was out of his depth again today and I would like Ibe to be given an opportunity instead (might even shake up Sterling to up his game). He also gave away the free-kick which allowed their goal.
Enrique was poor with his delivery and Cissoko coming back will give him competition for the left back role.
Well done though Redman. top of the League!

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05 Oct 2013 17:08:50
Congratulations on a wonderful, efficient win! Great play in the first half, lazy and sloppy and the second, but you have to love how against both Palace and Sunderland we showed class after receiving a goal, and totally killed the game, denying them any chance for a comeback!
Sturridge and Suarez are starting to turn into something scary, good play in defense, a first penalty for the season, and more importantly - calmly converted.
Lots of critique for Sterling and Moses, both disappointed me today.
And finally, a few words on Henderson - the lad was top of the match except for our awesome strike force. He embodied the spirit of the game today - efficiency. I didn't see him put a foot wrong, amazing performance in Lucas' position. Would love to hear ed001's feedback on Henderson's play, because he seemed to really excel in centre midfield for me.

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05 Oct 2013 17:06:42
Back to the top of the league and it feels great! :)

Just a little concern at conceding another goal from a set piece. we really need to sort that out!

Otherwise, wonderful lads!

Daniel Sturridge, what a player! Henderson, another good game! Also, thanks to the guy that doesn't want to be here who scored the first goal. I celebrated mutely

Top of the league :)

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05 Oct 2013 16:50:46
Great to be back at the top hope results go are way tomorrow

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05 Oct 2013 16:01:59
SAS are tearing up the premier league!

Red Rum

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05 Oct 2013 16:00:29
Look great going forward but Lucas's absence and the resultant space conceded on and around the edge of our box, illustrates just how important a player he is for Liverpool.Surly the most vehement Lucas doubters can see this today!

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Take the blinders off, the same problem is occurring with Lucas in the team as well. Defensively we are poor. Its the same thing week in week out atm, BR needs to get it sorted before we play some good teams otherwise we will be losing instead of winning. Another poor defensive performance. Another poor defensive performance from Gerrard. CP should have had at least 2 goals in the 1st half.

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Grow up brisbane. we are winning games with our poor defense get over it.united won the league with rvp a crappy midfield and and average defense

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05 Oct 2013 15:56:29
Palace are letting us run riot. Will see a lot more goals if this continues.

Henderson is having another brilliant game. don't understand anyone who is still slating him regardless of if its because our oppisition are this easy.

I feel for Holloway, can't imagine he was expecting much but damn.

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05 Oct 2013 15:52:20
the 3-4-1-2 formation is suiting Enrique's style of play so much. Imagine when Johnson comes back, this would be a perfect system for us as he is also more of a wing back than a full back.

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05 Oct 2013 14:45:43
sterling right wing back, interesting!?!?! think hell do ok and hopefully henderson will shine in cm!

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05 Oct 2013 13:18:48
Does anyone know if there is such a thing as an iPad app for streaming football?

Cheers,
Red Rum

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If you live in America & have any type of cable program package (AT&T, Bright house, DirecTv, etc. ) - you can stream from NBC Sports Live Extra, in glorious HD.

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If u live abroad, then you can buy the package from fox sports for 11 euros a month, and stream it on their app.

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Not an app but go to sportlemon.tv on your it is great and no subscriptions check it out

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05 Oct 2013 12:32:19
any chance of Jordan Rhodes?

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05 Oct 2013 02:58:18
Not looking good for Ian Ayre these days

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What's that about Aryes guvtob?

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05 Oct 2013 01:14:47
I have placed a bet for Moses to score first aghainst his former club tomorrow and Liverpool to win 3 - 1, though I don't know why I gave Palace a goal .

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I don't see Palace scoring at all today. They are a poor side and with all of the rows taking place internally among players and coaching staff the players are unsettled, I expect Palace will struggle today.

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Yep, I think you are right, they have scored only 4 times this season . I should have more confidence in our defence .

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Looks like a great call on the score hope you had moses to score 1st seperate

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Mate you want to predict our next game as well? Spot on today I could do with a couple of winning predictions to increase my cash pool haha. i'm happy with our first half performance but once again second half wasn't good enough really don't know why we have a mental block after half time.

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05 Oct 2013 01:01:58
All us Reds knew King Kenny would return to the club at some point and in some role. Football had changed to much when he took the reins. doesn't matter what ever happened. Yesssss, everyone must agree though it's about time he was home. What he and Marina have done for the city of Liverpool and charity in general is astonishing. Sometimes there are more important issues than football.

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05 Oct 2013 00:23:52
i see KD is back in the fold again, why is it that LFC always seem to look back at the past and hope old managers/players some how can rejuvenate the club like a mythical fountain of youth, weird!

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He's a non-executive director. I don't see why anyone would think he's going to "save the club". FSG and Rodgers are trying to keep tradition, but also move the club forward.

Stadium development and more commercial sponsorship deals is what is taking this club forward.

A young hungry manager(who's not doing a bad job for his 3rd season in the Premier League) who strives for success and talks of a winning mentality, is moving this club forward.

Installing ex-players as coaches and board members is keeping tradition.

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United have a few old faces behind the scenes and are pretty successfull let's be honest. Most clubs probably have ex players and/or managers working behind the scenes. It's not just a Liverpool thing. It can't hurt to have a few legends working with the kids or the board. It can only help to inspire and inject some passion in the place.

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Kenny Dalglish is Liverpool FC personified. There is nothing weird about it. He will always be an intrinsic part of our clubs history. He was a rock throughout the Hillsborough Disaster and whatever he has done he has done because he believed it was best for the club, whether those be the right decisions or not (Carroll etc). He deserves this role. I'm glad he is now on the board, he represents what Liverpool used to be - champions, and his presence will be duly noted. Great decision I think. We need the Boot Room mentality back.

JFT 96

JP

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Anyone doubting KK coming back to the club clearly have no knowledge about us. Having a 'footballing wise old head' behind the scenes will be invaluable to BR. KK will not be trying to get one up on BR, he will just want what is best for the club. This is invaluable for a young manager. Bring on the good times

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